Lonna Rae (Muntz) Cope

Lonna Rae (Muntz) Cope, 81, of Sandusky, passed away at her home — surrounded by the love of her family — on October 24, 2025, after a brave journey through months of health decline. She was born on October 4, 1944, in Salem, Ohio, to the late Olin and Helen (Windram) Muntz. Lonna was a graduate of Salem High School and the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University.

Lonna was a tireless caregiver and advocate for the vulnerable, a source of healing and comfort to all she served. In her career as a nurse, first at University Hospitals in Cleveland, then at Providence Hospital School of Nursing in Sandusky, and ultimately in several area schools, Lonna touched innumerable lives with her warm, caring heart. Her empathy and generosity were her greatest gifts.

In her retirement years, Lonna continued her dedication to serving others — as a Stephen Minister at Trinity United Methodist Church, food-pantry volunteer with Care & Share, and court-appointed special advocate for children (for which she was recognized with multiple volunteer awards). She was the friend who always offered to help without anyone asking. To her family, friends, and colleagues, she was the embodiment of kindness, honesty, and warmth.

In her free time, Lonna enjoyed baking cookies and pies, sewing and cross-stitching, reading, singing in the church choir, cheering on the Buckeyes, watching crime dramas, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Lonna also had a keen sense of adventure, and, for much of her life, enjoyed water-skiing, riding roller coasters, and traveling.

Lonna is survived by her husband of 52 years, Donald; her son, Kevin (daughter-in-law, Mila Versteeg) of Charlottesville, VA; her daughter, Lora (son-in-law, Torrey Taylor) of Ypsilanti, MI; her grandchildren, Caspian, Elinor, and Elliot; her step-sister-in-law and brother-in-law Virginia (Billow) and Fred Crowgey of Mansfield, OH; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Being with family brought Lonna immeasurable joy.

Lonna was preceded in death by her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Dawna (Stiver) Muntz; her brother-in-law, Edward Cope; and her aunt and uncle, Mary (Scroggs) and Harold Windram.

A celebration of Lonna’s life will be held Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 214 E. Jefferson St., in Sandusky. Friends and family will be received from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Fellowship will take place at the church following the service. A private burial will be held in Salem, OH, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lonna’s memory to Care & Share of Erie County (https://careandshareerieco.org) or Stein Hospice (https://www.hospicewr.org/stein-hospice).

Pfeil Funeral Home, Sandusky Chapel, 617 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky has been entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.

11/5/25